Sriracha factory fumes causing headaches, burning eyes; city sues

Huy Fong Foods' hot sauce – sriracha– has found a cult following in the United States. The green-capped, rooster emblazoned, clear-plastic bottle has become a fixture at restaurants around the the U.S., even spawning a cookbook, a Lay's chip flavor and a pending documentary, according to the LA Times.

But now the city of Irwindale, Calif., has filed suit in LA County Superior Court claiming the factory's odor is a public nuisance and asking a judge to stop production until the smell can be reduced.

According to the Times article, residents are complaining of burning eyes, irritated throats and headaches caused by the factory's smell.  All of the chili needed for producing the year’s sauce is processed and stored during a three-month period beginning as early as September and concluding sometime before or during December.

A judge is scheduled to hear the complaint on Thursday.

Read more from the LA Times.